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Mon, 01 Dec 2003
Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/youth]
Truth Quest - Asking Tough Questions
By Matthew Collins
The Quest for truth is a new series that was produced as an outreach tool by Image X Media with Youth for Christ, Vancouver. It was created so that any student ministry could use it. It began as the dream of Phil Cann who wanted to create a cutting edge tool that ministries could use-not to do the work for them, but to assist them in reaching the lost. It was in essence an Alpha for students.
In the late summer I sat down with five other youth pastors in our area intending to partner together to use the Quest series as a tool to reach into the community of Hamilton. So with a little bit of hesitation, and a lot of prayer, we went forward. We launched Quest in mid October and over the next six weeks met every Tuesday here in our gym.
The set up was simple: open with loud music, and lots of videos. From there we played a number of “whacked-out” games that got the students up out of their chairs and interacting with new people. Then it was into the series.
Each tape began the same way, with Phil hosting us from several sites including Toronto, London, England, Las Vegas, New York and L.A.
Within each session were a number of questions designed to get the students discussing these ideas around their tables. The questions probed the students’ hearts to reveal their thoughts on the world around them, the reality of Christ, and more.
Through all of this we saw one of our own students make a commitment to Christ for the first time. As well, several others are asking some tough questions. The great part about the series is that it doesn’t ask people to make a decision for Christ ‘on the spot,’ but rather, it challenges them to think it through very carefully. This decision includes a great cost- the cost of discipleship.
For some, it is now up to the friend that brought them to ask the ‘big’ question. I hope that you will continue to pray for our students as a number of them right now are on their own journey, their own Quest for truth.
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/reviews/movies]
Cat In The Hat Not So Funny
Review excerpt from Plugged In, Focus on the Family
Conrad is a rambunctious 12-year-old boy who tends to make huge messes in the process of entertaining himself. By contrast, his younger sister, Sally, isn’t at all spontaneous or fun-loving. She’s controlling, and obsessively organized. Their single mom tries to juggle parenting, and a career, among other things.
One day, Conrad and Sally are left in the “care” of a rotund, bespectacled babysitter named Mrs. Kwan, who can’t seem to stay awake. That’s when they’re visited by the Cat in the Hat. With the help of impish whirlwinds Thing 1 and Thing 2, the Cat proceeds to make jokes and turn a spotless house into a disaster area. Can the kids get their home back in order before mother’s important business party?
Anyone who has read the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss knows that everything is back in place when Mom sets foot in the door. Even so, this film has a number of off-color surprises. Families with young children might find themselves echoing a character from the book who said, “I do not like the way that they play. If mother could see this, oh what would she say!”
The family’s pet fish provides a moral conscience, though it’s debatable whether the movie buys into it. For example, he calls the Cat’s wild tricks “MTV-style flash at the expense of content and moral values.” That’s a pointed, accurate assessment of MTV, but the kids side with the Cat, implying that substance and morality can’t trump something that’s a lot of fun. Still, the Fish makes a good point.
Sexual nuances and violence abound in this movie. The Cat cuts off his own tail with a meat cleaver. Quinn plummets from a great height and lands in a sea of purple ooze. The Cat gets treated like a piñata by children at a birthday party who wail on him with bats. One rather large boy wallops him in the groin. Other physical gags involve children getting batted about by the Cat’s tail, a snoozing Mrs. Kwan being ridden down stairs like a toboggan, the Cat punching an unseen elephant, and a fracas among politicians on TV.
The Cat in the Hat is a good-looking film. It should be since it was helmed by acclaimed production designer Bo Welch (Edward Scissorhands, Men in Black II, Batman Returns, Beetlejuice). Welch does an excellent job of recreating the cheery pastel universe and Salvador Dali-esque accessories of Dr. Seuss.
Unfortunately, that’s as interesting as it gets. The plot draws from the books, but even then it’s a pretty thin story for anyone over 10: spotless home gets trashed; cat cleans up; family ends up better off than it started. That would be fine if the jokes were restrained enough for the grade-schoolers Seuss had in mind- not so risqué.
Sometimes it’s clever, but I felt like I was watching a sketch comic hiding behind feline makeup while trying to impersonate the Genie from Aladdin. Without a compelling story to back up his antics, that act gets old quickly. Furthermore, barely veiled profanities and subtle humor involving sex, porn, urination and vomiting will unnerve parents wondering what rule Myers will break next in his tireless pursuit of “fun.”
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
The ‘W’ in Christmas
Author Unknown
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, was in kindergarten that year, and in his school’s “Winter Pageant.” Around the room during the day of rehearsals, I saw several other parents quietly seating themselves. As we waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross- legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas,” I didn’t expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son’s class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Those children in the front row, center stage, held up large letters one by one. They were to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing “C is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter C. Then, “H is for Happy,” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, “Christmas Love.”
The performance was going smoothly, until we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down - totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W”. The student audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W”.
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised…then we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
“CHRISTWAS LOVE”
He still is.
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/reviews]
New Book from John Attridge
By Jason Silver
Every familiy has secrets lost to time. Everyone knows the phrase, “skeleton’s in our closet”, but how many of us know what those skeletons are?
One of the most interesting aspects of reading John Attridge’s new book, “From Unknown to Known” is this sense of discovery. He takes us along as fellow detectives and we discover together mysteries lost to time.
As I read, I was often impacted with a sense of the divine as well. God’s plan is often not perceived in the here and now. Usually it is only from looking back over the years that we can see the mark of his hand.
I recommend you purchase or borrow a copy of this family story. It’s an easy read and very enjoyable. You may even find yourself motivated to research your own family history!
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/staff_editorials]
It’s a Pluralistic Christmas
By lane Fusilier
Each year, the awkwardness of Christmas grows stronger. Governments in the west become more stringent in their requirements to remove all religious symbolism from the celebration. Our own culture is caught up in a politically-correct obsession, wanting to make sure that no one is offended by anyone else’s truth-claims. Forgetting his Christian motivations, many embrace Santa Claus as a safe stand-in for Jesus Christ.
Ironically, tolerance is a Christian virtue. Evangelicals should make the very best Canadian citizens! Of course, Christian tolerance is not the same species as the secular variety. Christian tolerance declares that all people have value, made in the image of God, and must be respected. Even their disparate opinions must be weighed and treated with consideration, not because those opinions are all true, but because the opinionated have great value. On the other hand, secular tolerance affirms the equal stature of each person’s opinion: all religions are equal, all truth-claims are the same.
This confusion of ideas and those who hold them leads to great offenses. An orthodox Christian, Muslim, or Jew, for example, would insist that the truth-claims of their religion are exclusive. Each one would object to the principle that ‘all religions are the same.’ Very few religious people would long hold onto their faith if they thought that faith was just a personal opinion and made no claim on reality. That’s not tolerance at all; it is demeaning and ultimately intolerant.
So, what about Christmas? Can there be a pluralistic Christmas? Should we care?
First, all should care about history. Santa Claus did not start Christmas and is no stand-in for Jesus. When we confuse history, we endanger our future.
Second, we cannot demand that our government affirm our spiritual heritage, but we must insist that this heritage not be denied.
Third, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is centred on his royalty. We are preparing for his return as Lord of all. Don’t get too upset over decisions made by a temporal governor; the true Governor will soon appear.
Oops! Does that sound a little offensive? Just remember that the motivation of Christians is not to conquer other religions or other people. Instead, we are driven by joy, and the hope that all might know that joy. Joy is never belligerent, but always contagious. Let it flow…let it flow… let it flow…
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/staff_editorials]
We Three? Kings?…
By Bryan Wylie
We three(?) kings(?) from Orient (maybe) are bearing gifts (yes!)
Lamenting the commercialism of Christmas is a common pastime on the part of believers as well as non-believers. A more profitable pastime might be to lament the way that fiction has almost completely overtaken the biblical account of that first Christmas over 2000 years ago.
We have all lived through “the Sunday School Christmas pageant” ; some of us have even tried to come up with some novel approach to keep young performer and mature audience (I resisted the urge to use the adjective “reluctant” with one or both of these constituents) focused on the task at hand. In 1857, a similarly challenged American minister, John Henry Hopkins Jr., wrote the carol “We Three Kings” for use in such a Christmas pageant. And so was written another chapter in the fictitious overthrow of the biblical version of Christmas.
Because there were 3 gifts (Matt. 2:11) presented to the newborn babe, it is quite understandable that one would assume there were three kings. However, there is no such mention of any number in the gospel accounts. I went to a mixed baby shower once where an almost entire teaching staff pitched in and presented a gift certificate for an interior decorator to completely redo the new arrival’s bedroom: one gift, 50 people. So, 3 gifts, 3 people? It ain’t necessarily so! But such is the tradition that we automatically picture the gift bearers as a crowned trio (on camels, of course - another myth). Not only that, the 8th century saint, the Venerable Bede, named and described them: the white-haired long-bearded Melchior; the more youthful and beardless Gaspar; and, the black and bearded Baltasar. And costume designers ever since had their models. Their bodies are even said to have been buried in the stately cathedral in Cologne, Germany, having been brought there by Frederick Barbarossa in 1162 (who got them from Milan, after they were brought to Constantinople by Constantine’s mother, the Empress Helen).
And film directors as well have been influenced by the fiction. The Civil War general, Lew Wallace, came to faith out of shame for his ignorance of the story of Christ, after being questioned by an atheist about certain things in a Wallace short story concerning the birth of Christ. The general’s research took him into a study of the Bible. Not only did he convert but he produced one of the all-time best-selling novels, Ben Hur, A Story of the Christ, the block-busting movie version of which opens with …. you guessed it: 3 kings, 2 bearded, one black, riding camels visiting the babe in the manager.
Which brings us to another piece of fiction. Matt. 2: 11 clearly states that the wise men came “into the house,” not the stable, and they saw a “young child,” not a newborn. According to Luke 2, it was shepherds, not wise men, who visited the infant Jesus in the manger.
Which lead us to another anomaly: wise men or kings? Despite the familiar lyrics of the carol, no biblical source depicts the three wise men as kings. They were most likely learned men, perhaps astrologers. Again, in Matt. 2:1, they are referred to as “magi” (the plural of magus), from the Persian “magu”, meaning magician.
Of one thing we are certain: they were men! I’m sure there is some group, somewhere, who would like to change even that fact. Now , there’s an interesting thought: what would have happened, you may ask, if it had been three wise WOMEN instead of three wise men? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought practical gifts!
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Dec 01, 2003, 14:38
[top]
A Time to Give
By Jason Silver
Christmas is a time of year filled with feelings of joy and happiness. It’s a time to remember all that God has done for us. As we give gifts to one another we call to mind the greatest gift ever given.
Or do we?
What usually happens can be quite different. More often we forget to celebrate the birth of our Saviour and instead focus on satisfying our own needs. This is materialism: what we want, what our kids want; even where we’ll go, and who we visit takes front role as we vainly seek satisfaction in things we can touch, and ignore the true Source of seasonal bliss.
For example, my wife spoke to the lady at the bank this week about Christmas buying. This lady said her friends couldn’t believe it, but she had cut spending right down this year. She proudly announced to Joanne that her family had agreed to make changes and simplify. From now on, no more lavish expenditures. They decided sacrificially on a $500 limit per child!
Apparently her friends were shocked- which shocks me! No wonder depression is so high during the holidays! Not only do we bury ourselves in immense debt, but this is when we all become the most aware that satisfaction cannot be found in things.
If our eggs are all in that basket, we can expect scrambled brains for breakfast.
I don’t want to sound critical-I’m as much to blame as anyone else. Our culture is so wrapped up in materialism that I don’t even recognize it; and when I do, it’s only because I’m looking at someone else, not at myself. But we’re all guilty, me included. It’s the plight of our culture: never-ceasing discontent.
I think that we, as people of faith, must behave differently. I believe we need to resist the urge to complain, or entertain dissatisfaction with what God has given us. When things seem to go wrong we can stop ourselves from grumbling like those ill-fated Israelites wandering in the desert, and thank God for all we do have.
Of course, we need to see advertising for what it is, and to teach our children as well. We are not primarily consumers meant to line the pockets of merchants; like cattle lined up for slaughter. We are souls created to spread love and life to those around us.
What can you do? How can you change our culture? It seems daunting; but change will happen if even one person begins. Join me in being different.
Let’s give our gifts to Jesus- after all, it’s his birthday.
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Sat, 01 Nov 2003
Nov 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/music]
Christmas Choir Time
By Lane Fusilier
Some of my best memories are grounded in music. My dad was a pipe fitter during the week and a choral director on the weekends. He let me sit in on the rehearsals as a teenager, because he was always short of tenors. In university, I joined the glee club and was caught up in Bach’s Funeral Cantata, ‘in His life, we have life.’ Stravinsky, Poulenc and Ralph Vaughn Williams provided their own challenges! While in grad school, I learned more of the great music of the church in the Men’s Chorus.
I’ve thought a lot about why choral singing is so rewarding. Like most, I’d rather not have other people hear me sing. I enjoy singing more when I’m anonymous. That works in a choir!
Second, a large choir lets everyone ‘feel’ the various parts, so the blend of voices provides a tremendous excitement and satisfaction.
Third, a well-rehearsed choir allows its participants the freedom to enjoy the lyrics. Once you know the music, the words take centre stage. Great music then becomes a medium for worship.
Fourth, a worshipping choir carries others along into the presence of God, even carries those who can’t sing on pitch, but who love to sense God’s pleasure. A good choir is a prompter of worship.
Choral singing is not new. Levitical singers were to provide choral singing for worship in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Several of the psalms were composed to be sung by choirs.
Choral design is always slow to change in each generation, but eventually adapts to its changing culture. If you’ve heard the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, you might understand why they have received Grammys and so many other awards, even though many say that the day of choral singing is over. Like me, Carol Cymbala can’t read music. However, she can compose simple songs that focus worship with a contagious style. That fresh style, the fellowship of several dozens of singers, and the experience of singing together have all combined to make international impact.
If you enjoy singing and can sing on pitch, this might be a good time to sit in on our choir rehearsals. John Benoit, who leads the choir with excellence, is preparing for the Christmas Concert in December. I’m joining the choir for that. Hope to see you on Thursdays!
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Nov 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/deaths]
In Memory
By Lane Fusilier
Loreen Harvey lived out her life at Philpott Church. She arrived as a teenager and worshiped with us until the last week of her life, more than sixty years later. She loved the Lord and her church enough that all three of her adult children not only worship here but also serve in servant leader roles among us.
Hilda Slater and Jack did not have children of their own. However, they did care for children during the war who were sent to Canada to escape the bombing. Her husband Jack was a missions champion; many of the missions legacies that have aided ministries around the world came to us because Jack challenged our folk to ‘give beyond the grave.’ Hilda’s recent passing reminds us of their wonderful contribution to the life of our congregation.
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Nov 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/staff_editorials]
Retreating to Nature
By Jason Silver
Seeking God and Building Community
Life-can-whiz-by-in-a-blur. We’ve all felt time slipping through our hands— almost every one feels too busy. Stepping out of this craziness for a moment of reflection, community, and sober life-assessment is crucial.
On October 18th we tried to do just that.
The music teams from both services were invited to get-away-from-it-all. About twenty of us had a quiet breakfast together. After eating we laughed some, worshipped some, learned a couple of new songs, and were led through a section of scripture.
After a delicious lasagna lunch we made our way into the Red Hill Valley Conservation Area.
I gave each team member a few questions to lift before God. We sought to better understand how God has ‘wired us up,’ who he has made us to be, and what he wants us to do for him. Many took their Bibles and found a quiet tree under which to sit, to study his scripture. Some chose to just pray, while they walked down a forest path.
It was a good reminder to all of us how spending time in creation can help reconnect us with our creator. Computer monitors, video games, and television screens distract us from God— it can be very refreshing to instead peer into a river bed, a hollow tree or the blue sky. These are finger prints of God, and in them we can see his creativity, catch glimpses of his faithfulness, and perceive his grace.
When we rejoined under the train trestle, we were challenged to problem solve with some team-building and trust games. Using only two short boards, the entire team was asked to move from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ without touching the ground. It was hilarious to see many different approaches as we sought to accomplish the mission before time ran out. ‘Leap-frogging’ the boards was tried, and also tying them to feet like skis using any available belts. We had three people on one set of ‘skis’ at a time! Hilarious!
After that we tried to stand as many people within a small circle as possible. I think we managed to get 13 people to stand in an area about 14 inches square! How fun! The sound of silliness mixed with the noise of nature are even now singing in my ears!
People are still talking about it! We are not only closer friends, but we’ve moved closer to God too. If you are a musician and you missed out this year, don’t despair! We plan on doing another one in six months. Please join us, and help us build a team that glorifies God!
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Nov 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/staff_editorials]
Change is in the Air
By Lane Fusilier
The winds of political change are in the air. We have a new government in Ontario and are soon to have a new prime minister in Ottawa. South of the border, the electoral machine is in high gear, churning out mud and debris. In spite of all the sound and fury, most of us realize that political leaders don’t actually change anything. They campaign as ‘outsiders’ and then become agents of the status quo when they are granted status. We must practice our citizenship faithfully, but the sort of changes we long for, come by different means.
Many of our neighbors, colleagues, and friends share a desire for the same sort of transformations. We would like to see less violence, but are confused about how to calm people’s anger. We would hope to see more marriages last a lifetime, but even some Christian friends give up on theirs. We would love to see children better cared for, but parents have less time now rather than more for family.
What could make a difference? How do we deal with evil? The most remarkable part of the life of Jesus is that he came to deal with this problem of evil. He recognized the difficulty, came to live a life that gained attention as the antithesis of evil, and then died an innocent death at the hands of evil. His defeat of death by his resurrection proves that he has power over evil. The promises he made to his followers as he left for heaven focus on removing evil from the world.
Jesus will deal with all of our life’s problems with evil. He promises that a life submitted to him will be one of self-control rather than self-absorption. He claims that a radical commitment to his kingdom will prevent the loss of anything important and the supply of all things necessary. He explained that a life given away is a life that can’t be lost.
Violence and selfishness highlight our problem with evil. Denying it doesn’t help. We all come into the world self-centred; most of us remain that way. Thus, the problem of evil is a personal one. The solution to that problem must be as well.
Politicians make wonderful promises. God keeps His.
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Wed, 01 Oct 2003
Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/events]
Graceland: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
By Robin Boughan
We’ll remember June 22, 2003 for the energy and rich spirit, the great participation and singing of old hymn favourites, the quality of our many Philpott musical talents, the convivial time spent in the Gym with so many invited guests…
Philpott’s Graceland concert doesn’t have anything to do with the king of Nashville, but is all about praising "The King" in a fun filled Gaither style evening of song.
Robin Boughan conducted a survey with the help of Heidi Wilton to get the views and comments from those, young and old, who attended Graceland. The committee as interested in getting feedback on many issues including:
the Graceland theme, its intended purpose, participation, and analysing the production to help plan for the future. Here are some of the positive comments:
"I think we struck a good tone of informality and excellence in quality of music."
"It was a great evening for all who attended."
"My wife and I brought two elderly ladies - strangers to the church but Christians. They thought the evening was terrific… they raved about it… the choice of Hymns was excellent too!"
Whatever the view of the respondents to the survey questions, we certainly appreciate them taking the time to complete it! We will be using the opinions expressed in the survey to help shape any future "Graceland" participation style concert.
Thanks also go to the many participants on the platform and behind the scenes for making Graceland an enjoyable evening.
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/adult_ministries]
Guest Speakers This Year
Mark your calendar:
23 November 2003
Bill Fietje- DS, AGC; former OMF Canada Director
4 January 2004
Bob Morris- Interserve; Tyndale
8 February 2004
John Bowen- Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
28 March 2004
Dr. Haddon Robinson- Gordon-Conwell Seminary
23 May 2004
The Executive Director of Interserve Canada
TBA July 2004
Bud Penner- President, AGC
21 November 2004
Dr. Joe Wall- East/West Ministries, Founder, Colorado Christian University
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Things We Keep
I grew up in the fifties with practical parents— a mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in
it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it… A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.
Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dish towel in the other.
It was the time for fixing things — a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress.
Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful.
Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer’s night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t any ‘more.’ Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away… never to return. So, while we have it, it’s best we love it, and care for it, and fix it when it’s broken, and heal it when it’s sick. This is true for marriage, and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents, and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away, or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special…..and so, we keep them close!
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/the_pathway]
The Pathway
By Lane Fusilier
Welcome to the Pathway! We are walking an ancient path in pursuit of a dynamic spiritual life. Many of us are new to this, curious about who Jesus is, but not sure we can know yet. Quite a few are taking faith steps, committing our ways to Him, learning to find hope and help in Jesus. A number of us are wanting to know how we can experience the sort of authentic community that makes life satisfying. A few are out front, scouting ahead, encouraging us to move along in faith.
Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, we want you to understand that there are people like you here. The journey goes a little easier when we enjoy it together.
This year, we will continue to help our friends step onto the path and get to know who Jesus is. We will follow through on our commitment to show one another how to develop the spiritual disciplines that deepen us and prepare us to know God more fully.
We have also prepared to begin a new phase of our spiritual journey. Our intention this year is to enjoy our common journey. Friendships that matter are those that bring us encouragement, companionship, and joy. We have launched mid-size groups that meet in both hours Sunday mornings. The hope is that you will find the study of the Word nurturing there, that you will make new friends, deepen established friendships and realize that you are known and accepted for who you are now.
Even if you are shy, don’t miss this. Either come early or stay a little later.
Jesus said that outsiders will know that we are Christians by our love for one another.
Welcome to the Pathway!
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/the_pathway]
The Never-Ending Journey
By Jason Silver
You’ve probably wondered why we’ve been talking about the Pathway so much. For example, our September series was called "the Pathway," we’ve begun to develop a new web site called "thePathway.ca," and we talk about newcomers getting connected along the "connection pathway." What is this all about?
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight…"
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When Jesus taught, he often used Parables to describe complex truths. On the surface a parable is a simple little story. But it’s more than that. It’s also a type of metaphor. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven by using examples from the here and now. Losing a coin, planting a garden, managing a business- these are just some of the real-life examples Jesus used as illustrations.
There is something intriguing about opening a story with the words, "There was a man who had two sons…" You’re drawn into the story- maybe even putting yourself in the story.
This is our intent with the Pathway. It’s a kind of modern-day parable, yet it has a timeless impact; everyone understands that life is a journey.
But Is It Scriptural?
Scripture is especially full of reference to ‘the path.’ For example, "You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." from 2nd Samuel 22. Job has many references to life being a path. For example, "Will you keep to the old path that evil men have trod?" and "There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths." Psalms has many references as well, "You have made known to me the path of life;" and "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped." and "Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors." "They spread a net for my feet- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path- but they have fallen into it themselves." "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." There are many more.
Proverbs continues as well, with a parallel between paths of wisdom, and paths of foolishness. "Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path." "Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous." This one is particularly familiar: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Also, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths," and "I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,"
As you probably know, I could go on and on. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Micah- all contain verses which describe the pathway.
The New Testament also contains references to the path. Jesus asks us to "follow him." Luke uses it as a metaphor in describing the "path to peace." Paul encourages us not to place a stumbling block on anyone’s path. People have understood that life is a path for thousands of years.
What Does This Mean For Us?
This is an important point for us, because the ancient ways have become very attractive to young potential followers. Post-modern thinkers are attempting to return to the roots of faith, deconstructing what is "now" in order to better understand what life can mean to us.
God Started This
Our orange discipleship pamphlet came out two years ago, with a nice path on the cover. Inside were pictures of footsteps, and descriptions of the four phases of discipleship, from ‘Come and See’ through to ‘Remain in Me.’ We ask people to consider the road they are on, and if they are ready to take their first steps of faith. Bryan Wylie first recognized the potential use of this symbol, and suggested we think of the four phases of discipleship as tourist, traveller, trekker, and tour-guide. It’s reassuring to consider that God was leading us in this direction two years ago.
How Does This Affect Me?
We are designing this symbol and also thePathway.ca web site as a symbol of what is important to us as a church. We want to be a church that does God’s work of making disciples like Jesus. It is the most important work we can do.
If you don’t know where you are on the Pathway, take the Pathway quiz. You can get a copy from the church office, or fill it out online. Then you will be able to get involved in next-step activities which will mature you and make you more and more like Jesus.
If you have friends, neighbours, co-workers, or family members curious about becoming a Christian then direct them to our thePathway.ca web site. In the words of the web site:
"Jesus asked us to follow him, but often it can be difficult to know how. Where does the path go? Who else is on it? This site brings practical lessons of spiritual growth within your reach.
"Do You Want To Walk This Path?
"The Pathway has been marked by trekkers before you, but the Journey is not easy. You must climb dark mountains and cross dangerous rivers. Some parts of this road you must travel at night. Danger spots have been clearly indicated but many have fallen to their deaths.
"Do not take this trip lightly. It has the potential of great reward, but it is not for the weak of heart.
"You may gain new skills and inner strength you once thought impossible; but only if you abandon all confidence in your own ability and place complete trust in your guide.
"Decide for yourself: are you a tourist, looking for a diversion? Or are you able to guide others yourself? Are you a seasoned trekker, able to blend in with your surroundings, or a novice traveller, oft mistaken for a tourist yourself?
"Once you have found yourself, you may begin moving down the pathway. Along the way you may find hikers unable to move on, or challenging trials which slow you down as well. Our advice: stay close to your guide as you travel- this ‘trainer’ will help you find your way."
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/events]
Welcome Back Weekend
By Wayne Wright
It is always great to be away in the summer on trips and holidays; to relax and participate in activities that you don’t usually take time for. But, like most things in life, reality strikes and we must eventually return to our regular schedules and responsibilities.
This transition is made easier at Philpott because of our Welcome Back Weekend. This yearly event happens on the first Saturday and Sunday after Labor Day in September.
"We sure ate a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs and salads and desserts!"
|
The weekend provided an opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with friends from the church that we had missed over the summer break. Fifty-two of us (thirteen foursomes) got up early (and I mean early) Saturday morning to play in Philpott’s Annual Golf Tournament out at Brant Hill Golf Course. It was a beautiful day, and a gorgeous place to spend a few hours enjoying one another’s company. The golf wasn’t that bad either!
Sunday morning we continued the celebration with a combined Worship service. This was followed by a BBQ on the back parking lot (or as some of our southerners say, the ‘Car Park’
.
I don’t know how many were there, but I do know we sure ate a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs and salads and desserts! I sure wish I knew who ate all those brownies though.
We had great entertainment by some talented young people; jugglers, musicians, and more; the kids loved being transformed by our resident face painter!
An open house was held at the new building - 78 Vine Street. The University students have laid claim to the upstairs and the junior and senior high youth have taken over the basement. It looks like a great place to relax and enjoy these growing ministries. Many could not believe the transformation that has taken place in this new facility.
As we head into another new year of ministry we pray that God will transform us into the Community of Grace we long to be.
"Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!"
2 Corinthians 4:15, The Message
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Mon, 01 Sep 2003
Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/world]
Letter
03-09
I recently received this first hand from a friend of mine whom you may have met also - It’s a wonderful story of hope in a world of despair and a reminder of God’s willingness to touch people directly - ( I’ve experienced this myself recently, having challenged a skeptic to ask God to prove the truth of my assertions my friend had successive experiences of God dramatically answering ‘Yes - It’s the truth” - in bold and clear ways.) I hope this inspires you too.
Dan Marshall
Greetings Friends.
We greatly value your prayers and interest in our work here. Thanks so much for your part in Kingdom work in this needy land.
He could just as easily have been at our office to… well, one doesn’t really wish to rehearse what he might have been there for!
“Jed” had visited the office of The Bible Institute before to meet with our follow-up man, “Ahmed”, but it was the first time I met him. Jed has been trained in a neighboring country to the north in fighting “holy war.” Hatred and violence inspired by religion have been his life. Last summer one of his three children died and this had a profound effect on his life. He became despondent and figured, why put up with this life? Why not go straight to Paradise? With this thinking he actually signed up to be on a suicide attack team. But then something drastically changed his life. No, not something, rather some One, for Jed had a dream. In this dream he was standing at a crossroads which he recognized from his childhood. In the middle of the intersection stood Jesus. He was beautifully illuminated. Jed immediately began asking questions of this Person. “Did you really die on the cross?” etc. Jesus did not answer, but instead gave Jed a big hug. Then, He said to Jed, “Do not kill. Do not lie. Take care of what’s entrusted to you. Don’t be cruel.” In the dream, Jed threw up something white and then he woke up.
Greatly disturbed by this dream, Jed told it to the religious leaders he knew and their uniform response was: “Repent! Say your prayers five times a day and God will forgive you!” Naturally, he found this advice unsatisfactory. He left being among these people and took up a job in a shop in the capital city. There he shared his dream with a fellow worker. “Don’t you dare tell that to anyone!” his friend said, “You’ll get in big trouble.” This only heightened his curiosity.
Then, somehow, Jed received a business reply card from the Bible Institute. He wrote detailing his dream and asking for guidance. “Ahmed” wrote back saying, “You take this course and you will come to understand your dream.” Jed began studying God’s Word and now he indeed understands.
He realizes that Jesus’ advice applied directly to his planned action: he intended to kill… he would have lied to his wife and children when he went to participate in a suicide mission… committing suicide would have been a failure to take care of the family entrusted to him… and it would be cruel to leave his children orphaned.
It struck me that the answer to his questions wasn’t arguments or even truth statements from the Author of Truth. Rather, Jesus gave him a hug, because the answer is not answers, the answer is a person… THE PERSON! May He be praised forever. We prayed together and Jed returned to his family where he continues to try to live out what he is learning from the Written Word about the Living Word.
Again, thanks for your prayers. God is at work. May He rescue many more “Jeds” from the path of destruction.
Sincerely,
(Name withheld)
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Cajun Ten Commandments
03-09
Pastor Lane should appreciate this:
The Ten Commandments in Cajun…
God is number one… and das’ All.
Don’t pray to nuttin’ or nobody… jus’ God.
Don’t cuss nobody… ‘specially da Good Lord.
When it be Sunday… pass yo’self by God’s House.
Yo mama an’ yo daddy dun did it all… lissen to dem.
Killin’ duck an’ fish, das’ OK… people - No!
God done give you a wife… sleep wit’ jus’ her.
Don’t take nobody’s boat… or nuttin’ else.
Don’t go wantin’ somebody’s stuff.
Stop lyin’… yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf!
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Letter
03-09
I recently received this first hand from a friend of mine whom you may have met also - It’s a wonderful story of hope in a world of despair and a reminder of God’s willingness to touch people directly - ( I’ve experienced this myself recently, having challenged a skeptic to ask God to prove the truth of my assertions my friend had successive experiences of God dramatically answering ‘Yes - It’s the truth” - in bold and clear ways.) I hope this inspires you too.
Dan Marshall
Greetings Friends.
We greatly value your prayers and interest in our work here. Thanks so much for your part in Kingdom work in this needy land.
He could just as easily have been at our office to… well, one doesn’t really wish to rehearse what he might have been there for!
“Jed” had visited the office of The Bible Institute before to meet with our follow-up man, “Ahmed”, but it was the first time I met him. Jed has been trained in a neighboring country to the north in fighting “holy war.” Hatred and violence inspired by religion have been his life. Last summer one of his three children died and this had a profound effect on his life. He became despondent and figured, why put up with this life? Why not go straight to Paradise? With this thinking he actually signed up to be on a suicide attack team. But then something drastically changed his life. No, not something, rather some One, for Jed had a dream. In this dream he was standing at a crossroads which he recognized from his childhood. In the middle of the intersection stood Jesus. He was beautifully illuminated. Jed immediately began asking questions of this Person. “Did you really die on the cross?” etc. Jesus did not answer, but instead gave Jed a big hug. Then, He said to Jed, “Do not kill. Do not lie. Take care of what’s entrusted to you. Don’t be cruel.” In the dream, Jed threw up something white and then he woke up.
Greatly disturbed by this dream, Jed told it to the religious leaders he knew and their uniform response was: “Repent! Say your prayers five times a day and God will forgive you!” Naturally, he found this advice unsatisfactory. He left being among these people and took up a job in a shop in the capital city. There he shared his dream with a fellow worker. “Don’t you dare tell that to anyone!” his friend said, “You’ll get in big trouble.” This only heightened his curiosity.
Then, somehow, Jed received a business reply card from the Bible Institute. He wrote detailing his dream and asking for guidance. “Ahmed” wrote back saying, “You take this course and you will come to understand your dream.” Jed began studying God’s Word and now he indeed understands.
He realizes that Jesus’ advice applied directly to his planned action: he intended to kill… he would have lied to his wife and children when he went to participate in a suicide mission… committing suicide would have been a failure to take care of the family entrusted to him… and it would be cruel to leave his children orphaned.
It struck me that the answer to his questions wasn’t arguments or even truth statements from the Author of Truth. Rather, Jesus gave him a hug, because the answer is not answers, the answer is a person… THE PERSON! May He be praised forever. We prayed together and Jed returned to his family where he continues to try to live out what he is learning from the Written Word about the Living Word.
Again, thanks for your prayers. God is at work. May He rescue many more “Jeds” from the path of destruction.
Sincerely,
(Name withheld)
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/adult_ministries]
Welcoming New Friends
03-09
By Jan Sears
You may have noticed in the last few months a number of faces in the services or in the hallways that you do not know. These are new people attending our church, some coming to the early service and some to the later service. They may be some of the 29 newcomers who attended a “welcome” meal one evening at the Harvey’s home in late July. Some have come to the church because friends brought them, some have found the church themselves, and some have come through finding the church web site. However they have found us, we want them to feel welcome, accepted, and able to become involved.
Do you remember your first visit to a new church? Did you feel very obvious? Did you feel lonely? Although there are greeters at the front doors of the church before each service, there are several entrances to the building, and not everyone comes past the front doors. We need to look for newcomers and make them feel at home here at Philpott.
Thank you Pastor Wayne for setting up the Newcomers’ Café. This has proven to be a great meeting place for new people, connecting with other newcomers, staff and small group leaders. Along with the Welcome Centre, the Café is also a resource centre for information about the church and our activities. Karen Almas is the point person coordinating this ministry on behalf of the Hospitality Committee.
What can you do to connect with newcomers?
Firstly, if you do not know someone, talk to them, introduce yourself, ask and remember their name. It really doesn’t matter if they are not so new to the church - you didn’t know them, and now you do.
Secondly, be friendly to everyone! Smile, enjoy being in the Community of Grace, be enthusiastic about what God is doing in our church.
Thirdly, know how to direct people looking for information - to the Welcome Centre or to the Newcomers’ Café, or introduce the person to a staff member or one of the Hospitality Committee.
The upcoming Welcome Home Sunday will be an excellent opportunity to put all this into practice. Prepare to be part of the welcome team - we are all involved.
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Why Go To Church
03-09
Author Unknown
Church - What is it good for?
A Church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
?
“I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor.
It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not cooked these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Boot Lesson
03-09
A teacher was helping one of her kindergarten students put his boots on.
He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on.
When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.”
She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off then it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet.
He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.” She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.
He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.” She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
She said, “Now, where are your mittens?”
He said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots…”
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/adult_ministries]
Growing Internationals
03-09
By Leny and John van der Mark
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
This quote may apply to a lot of church people, but certainly not to Philpott’s long history of reaching out to immigrants and refugees. But, while the Gospel remains the same, the world is rapidly changing, also in Hamilton. You may have noticed that more and more of our neighbours come from all over the world, from countries with different customs, foods and religions. Over 100 ethnic/cultural groups are in Hamilton making the City the 3rd highest immigrant/refugee receiving city in Canada. More than a quarter of all people in Hamilton are born outside Canada.
| “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” |
Fall 2002 saw the ‘Sears’ Small Group multiply and a new group of people of diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds was started. This ‘Rainbow’ Small Group we are leading meet now in the Vine St building on Sunday afternoons. This group consists of people originating from all over the world. Some of them have come to Canada with quite a story to tell. Memories of dictatorship, warfare, crime and abuse do not fade away quickly. But the life of an immigrant or refugee is often not easy. While people enjoy the new freedoms, they miss mostly the ‘community’ spirit from back home. That’s where PMC as a ‘Community of Grace’ comes in. Like other small groups we pray, sing and study the Bible. From time to time we have meals together, probably if we may say so, the best international foods in
Philpott.
New life in Canada means meeting new people, encountering a new culture so totally different than their own. It involves walking in the grocery store and not knowing what is inside that carton box and what are those strange looking vegetables and fruits. Finding a family physician is almost impossible, visiting a hospital frustrating without English speaking friends; trying to make Kraft dinner is a real challenge when you cannot read the instructions on the box.
Some of our new immigrants will start to search for a church. That brought one of them to Philpott. Just walking and exploring downtown she found Philpott and her first impression was that it looked like a museum. Thelma showed her the building and the next Sunday she attended our service (and ever since).
A very essential part for a new immigrant in Canada is looking for a job. Finding one is a recurring prayer request in our small group. Those who are going for an interview will know that right at that time someone is praying for them fervently and we have seen miraculous answers on prayer.
The ‘Rainbow Small Group’ is only one outreach to newcomers. The Hartford’s have been involved with mostly Chinese students at Mc Master University for several years. Through the ministry of the Bortsovs there is a growing group of Russian speaking people in Philpott. And the Petrosian’s have started to lead a Small Group of Iranian people.
The recently formed International Ministry Task Force will explore and implement ways to expand our ministry among immigrants and refugees by exploring ESL (English as a Second Language), a resource hospitality centre and other initiatives.
There are many ways you can help the International Ministry; here are a few:
Pray regularly for the ministry;
Get acquainted and befriend our newcomers;
Assist with ESL;
Attend the Iranian Group meeting one Sunday (Chapel, 2 p.m.).
One of our small group members shared the following poem for encouragement:
“One seed can start a garden,
One smile can lift a spirit,
One candle can light a room,
One conversation can start a friendship,
One step can begin a journey,
One heart can love many,
One person can make all the difference,
That one is you!”
Do not underestimate the power of one used by God. Shine where you are placed. He will do the rest.
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Who Brews the Coffee
03-09
Author Unknown
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife said, “You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don’t have to wait as long to get our coffee.”
The husband said, “You are in charge of the cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee.”
The wife replies, “No you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee.”
The husband was shocked, and replied, “No way! Show me.”
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and sure enough! At the top of several pages, were the words “HEBREWS”
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Sep 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Three Red Marbles
03-09
W.E. Petersen
During the waning years of the depression in a small Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller’s roadside stand for farm fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used extensively.
One day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me.
“Hello Barry, how are you today?”
“H’lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus’ admirin’ them peas… sure look good.”
“They are good, Barry. How’s your Ma?”
“Fine. Gittin’ stronger alla’ time.”
“Good. Anything I can help you with?”
“No, Sir. Jus’ admirin’ them peas.”
“Would you like to take some home?”
“No, Sir. Got nuthin’ to pay for ‘em with.”
“Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?”
“All I got’s my prize marble here.”
“Is that right? Let me see it.”
“Here ‘tis. She’s a dandy.”
“I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?”
“Not zackley… but almost.”
“Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble.”
“Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.”
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, “There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn’t like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps.”
I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering.
Several years went by, each more rapid that the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts… all very professional looking.
They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband’s casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.
“Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim “traded” them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size… they came to pay their debt.”
“We’ve never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,” she confided, “but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.”
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
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